Exhibition Highlights

Exhibition Overview

Explore the life and times of the ruthless warrior who grew from a poor, illiterate boy into one of the world’s greatest leaders—Genghis Khan, February 24 – September 3, 2012, only at The Field Museum.

Born in 1162, the would-be emperor endured a brutal childhood, eventually rising to earn the title of Genghis Khan (meaning “Oceanic Ruler”) after successfully uniting the many Mongol tribes. In just 25 years, his army conquered more lands and people than the Romans did during their entire 400-year rule!

Animated maps, engaging videos, and immersive environments help capture the essence of Genghis Khan’s extensive empire and reveal his dual role as both feared conqueror and revered statesman. Examine the largest single collection of 13th-century Mongolian artifacts ever assembled—including gold jewelry, weaponry, silk robes, religious relics, and the newly discovered mummy of a Mongolian noble woman.

Come meet Genghis Khan and learn about his legacy of unity, literacy, diplomacy, and meritocracy, only at The Field Museum!

Model of Genghis Khan Monument

One of the many monuments to Mongolia’s revered leader, the real bronze statue sits at the entrance to the parliament building in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, looking down on Sükhbaatar Square, the city center.

To the left and right of the statue sit two sulde, or spirit banners—white for peace and black for war. Made of horse or yak hair tied to a spear, a sulde represented the Eternal Blue Sky spirit and remained in the open air, channeling the power of wind, sky, and sun to the warrior.